Don’t Break the Bank – 10 Delicious and Affordable Eats Across the UK

By Alexander Joe

Eating out doesn’t have to mean splashing out. The UK boasts a vibrant scene of affordable restaurants offering quality, flavour-packed dishes without sending your wallet into hiding. From veggie delights to global buffets, this list highlights ten fantastic options to satisfy your cravings without blowing your budget.

  1. Mowgli Street Food, Various Locations:

Craving a taste of India’s vibrant street food scene? Look no further than Mowgli. This hip chain, with locations across the UK, offers a playful take on classic Indian dishes. Think “dirty” fries loaded with fiery vindaloo sauce, pillowy buns stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth lamb, and vibrant curries perfect for sharing. Don’t miss their signature Mowgli slaw – a tangy and refreshing counterpoint to the richer flavours. Most plates hover around the £10 mark, making Mowgli a great option for a casual and flavourful feast with friends.

  1. Shrub, Chester:

For plant-based power on a plate, head to Shrub in Chester. This charming spot champions seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create a vibrant array of small plates bursting with flavour. Think roasted cauliflower with a tahini dressing, crispy tofu “wings” glazed in a sticky Korean BBQ sauce, and vibrant salads packed with fresh, seasonal produce. Dishes are designed for sharing, so grab a group and indulge in a culinary adventure. With most plates under £8, Shrub offers a delightful and affordable way to explore the exciting world of plant-based cuisine.

  1. Dishoom, Various Locations:

Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Bombay at Dishoom, a vibrant chain known for its delicious and affordable Indian street food. Their menu is a love letter to Irani cafes, those iconic Bombay eateries. Tuck into their iconic bacon naan rolls, a delightful fusion of sweet and savoury, or sample their fragrant curries, all packed with bold spices and melt-in-your-mouth meats. Don’t forget to order a creamy chai or refreshing lassi to complete the experience. With most dishes under £15, Dishoom offers a lively and flavourful escape perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

  1. Pizza Pilgrims, Various Locations:

For a taste of Italy that won’t break the bank, head to Pizza Pilgrims. This beloved chain uses traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients to craft pizzas that are both authentic and delicious. Their sourdough bases are light and airy, topped with simple yet flavourful combinations like mozzarella, tomato, and basil, or spicy nduja sausage and creamy ricotta. Don’t miss their legendary “wonky” slices – misshapen pizzas perfect for grabbing on the go at a great price. With most pizzas under £12, Pizza Pilgrims is a reliable option for a satisfying and affordable Italian fix.

  1. Breddos Tacos, Brighton:

Take a trip south of the border at Breddos Tacos in the heart of Brighton. This award-winning taqueria serves up authentic Mexican street food, focusing on fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Their soft corn tortillas are piled high with slow-cooked meats like barbacoa and carnitas, or marinated jackfruit for a plant-based option. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of fresh lime, a dollop of cooling guacamole, and a sprinkling of their fiery salsa for a taste explosion. With most tacos under £3, Breddos offers a fun and flavourful way to explore Mexican cuisine without breaking the bank.

  1. The Athenian, Various Locations:

The Athenian brings the taste of the Greek Islands to cities across the UK. This casual chain offers a delightful selection of mezze plates, perfect for sharing. Think creamy tzatziki, tangy dolmades, grilled halloumi cheese drizzled with honey, and succulent lamb skewers. Their hearty souvlaki wraps are another winner, packed with marinated meats, fresh salad, and tangy tzatziki sauce. With most dishes under £10, The Athenian offers a vibrant and affordable way to experience the culinary delights of Greece.

  1. Yum Bun, Various Locations:

For a taste of authentic Hong Kong street food, head to Yum Bun. This popular chain specialises in juicy, slow-roasted BBQ meats and fluffy steamed buns. Sink your teeth into their signature char siu bao, a sweet and savoury bun filled with tender barbecued pork, or try their crispy duck buns for a delightful textural contrast. Don’t forget to grab a portion of their crispy fried rice or fragrant noodles to complete the feast. With most dishes under £8, Yum Bun is a delicious and affordable way to explore the flavours of Hong Kong.

  1. Keba House, Various Locations:

Keba House isn’t messing around when it comes to Turkish delights. This casual chain offers a menu packed with flavourful kebabs, perfect for satisfying a meaty craving. Choose from classic doner kebabs shaved from a rotating spit, succulent shish kebabs marinated in aromatic spices, or juicy adana kebabs made with ground lamb. All kebabs come served with fluffy flatbreads, fresh salad, and creamy dips like hummus and tzatziki. Vegetarians are well-catered to with falafel wraps and halloumi kebabs. With most kebabs under £10, Keba House is a reliable and flavourful option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

  1. Aroma Buffet, Shepherd’s Bush:

Looking for an all-you-can-eat adventure? Look no further than Aroma Buffet in Shepherd’s Bush. This vibrant restaurant offers a vast selection of Chinese dishes, catering to all palates. From dim sum delights like steamed buns and har gow to aromatic curries, sizzling stir-fries, and crispy duck, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to explore their selection of fresh sushi and tempting desserts. While prices vary depending on lunch or dinner, Aroma Buffet offers a budget-friendly way to indulge in a culinary journey across China.

  1. Bar Soba, Various Locations:

Calling all noodle lovers! Bar Soba serves up delicious and affordable Japanese noodle dishes across various locations. Their signature ramen comes in a variety of broths, from the classic tonkotsu pork broth to a lighter miso or a fiery kimchi. Each bowl is generously packed with noodles, succulent meat, and a perfectly flavoured egg for a satisfying and slurp-worthy experience. Don’t miss their selection of gyoza dumplings and rice bowls for a well-rounded meal. With most ramen dishes under £12, Bar Soba is a fantastic option for a quick and flavoursome Japanese fix.

So, there you have it! This diverse list offers ten delicious and affordable options to tantalise your taste buds across the UK. From plant-powered delights to global buffets, there’s something for every craving and every budget. So, grab your mates, explore these hidden gems, and indulge in a culinary adventure without breaking the bank!